| In Group N rally racing cut, a Subaru WRX STI remains nearly identical to its street versions. |
TOKYO: Subaru maker Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) announced last week what is effectively the company’s return to World Rally. But to be precise about it, Subaru’s involvement will be limited to supplying Group N Impreza WRX STI cars to private teams through its Subaru Tecnica International (STI) subsidiary.
Also, the Group N cars will be competing in the Production World Rally Championship (PWRC), not in the top-tier World Rally Championship. The cars were developed and will be supported by STI during the rallies in a program dubbed 2012 Subaru Challenge Award.
FHI explained that drivers who finish in the top three spots of any PWRC event, as well as in the overall PWRC title, will be recognized and awarded cash prizes.
Because Group N cars are extremely limited in terms of modifications allowed to be made on standard production models, the capabilities of the vehicles on which they are based play crucial roles—a perfect venue for Subaru to showcase the strengths of the Impreza WRX STI, the carmaker reckoned. For its part, the Group N category’s appeal lies on cars identical to production models competing in actual rallies. The class has also gained popularity because even beginners can enter.
Besides PWRC, the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is also an excellent venue for Group N racing.
The 2012 PWRC season begins on January 17, 2012, with Rally Monte Carlo. Seven other rallies are scheduled for the rest of the season that ends in November.
Published : Tuesday May 15, 2012 | Category : Motoring News | Views : 804
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